Yesterday, DJ Akademiks was suspended by Complex Networks / Everday Struggle for 2-3 days, for his
verbal assault on Chrissy Teigen, at least that is the story we are told. During a Twitch rant, he told Chrissy to "suck a d*ck." For those familiar with Akademiks, we know that his verbal rage against women is nothing new. Complex never seemed to care before. We were all suspicious as to why now Complex took a stand, even though it was a very feeble one IMO.
I remembered that recently Everyday Struggle missed a day. When they returned Nadeska, Akademiks, and Wayno claimed it was their way of standing in solidarity with a former employee who wrote an open-letter to Complex Networks. In the letter, Tiffany Wines contended that the work culture at Complex was toxic and "steeped in misogyny, anti-Blackness, favoritism, RAPE CULTURE, and pay inequity." This woman felt so strongly about her issues, that she broke her NDA by calling out Complex.
When the three stooges addressed the open letter, I thought was this woman talking about Akademiks. Akademiks fits perfectly within Complex's work culture. That is why he got his measly 2-3 days suspension and was forced to apologize.
If we were to take a critical look at this whole situation, this apology was not about Chrissy Teigen. It was about helping Complex cover their asses. You scratch my back, I'll scratch your back type of sh*t. DJ Akademiks is not just a host on Everyday Struggle. Complex gave him an executive producer title. So, in reality, it was an executive producer who went on a drunken rant against a woman and someone who has a history of this type of behavior. If this were another network, Akademiks might be forced to enter into a substance abuse program before returning to work. I'm just saying...
We have all seen instances where men in the Hip Hop media have used their platforms to verbally attack
women in the industry. Behind every one of these toxic men, you will find a "pick me bitch." We've seen it with Charlamagne, a former mentor of DJ Akademiks. We've seen it with Joe Budden and countless others. Women in the media don't use their platforms to correct the wrongs done by their male peers. They sit around, hoping they will be thrown a good story or interview. That is why I no longer feel sorry for them when they throw a pity party on Twitter.
Nadeska is the "pick me bitch" in this situation. She keeps this pasted smile on her face as if she is not allowed to express an opinion. Her only purpose is to introduce topics...WTF. She is an executive producer on the show too.
BEFORE THE APOLOGY
Complex Networks pledge to stand for justice blah, blah, blah
OPEN LETTER TO COMPLEX NETWORKS
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